Why is the pope called "Holy Father"?

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WesleyF

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Why is the pope called “Holy Father”? When was this title first used?
 
Well, “pope” comes from the Latin papa–a term of affection for father. It conveys a sense of spiritual paternity. From the sixth century papa began to be applied to the Bishop of Rome and, by the eighth century in the West, this usage was restricted to him alone. As the principal spiritual leader and supreme pastoral authority within the Church, the successor of Peter, we would hope he is a holy man and refer to him as his holiness.
 
Because he is the vicar or representative of Christ, who is called Father Forever in Isaiah.
 
Cf. Isaiah 22:21-22 & Matthew 16:18-19
And I will clothe him with thy robe, and will strengthen him with thy girdle, and will give thy power into his hand: and he shall be as a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, and to the house of Juda. And I will lay the key of the house of David upon his shoulder: and he shall open, and none shall shut: and he shall shut, and none shall open.
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And I tell you, you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the powers of death shall not prevail against it. I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven, and whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.
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